Out of Curiosity...Does Anyone Believe Anything They WereTaught??

by confuzzed 31 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Incense_and_Peppermints

  nope.

  there are some things we can't ignore.

  yes there are.
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  outnfree

  In two words, "Not much!"

  Confuzzed, please go visit http://quotes.watchtower.ca and read, read, read. You'll find that there's very little the Witnesses teach today that they don't change tomorrow. (That might be why things didn't make sense for you when you were younger, but appear more sensible today.)

  Being moral is not a perogative of Jehovah's Witnesses only and is possible for everyone, don't you agree?

  outnfree
• 

  dh

  no
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  mrsjones5

  there are some things we can't ignore.

  what things?

  jehovah's witnesses do not have the cornerstone on morality.

  Mrs Jones
• 

  AlmostAtheist

  one of my biggest problems is the lack of love in the congregations also. my mum keeps saying that i should be in the truth for jehovah not the people in the congregations

  In part, I feel the same way as your mum. You can't choose a bank simply based on the friendliness of the tellers.

  But there are some excellent reasons to satisfy your spiritual cravings outside of the Watchtower. All their teachings serve to reinforce the "we know more than you do" mentality, an attitude they then bestow on you to take out in field service, believing YOU know more than the people at the doors do. It's a vicious cycle, the more involved you are, the more dedicated you become, the less likely you are to see the glaring flaws.

  Ray Franz's book "Crisis of Conscience" was mentioned. Ray reveals much about the inner workings of the organization, having himself been a Governing Body member for a number of years. It's well worth purchasing and reading. (Available at http://amazon.com, and that other site. CommentaryPress.com? ) In addition to studying with the JW's, also read Ray's book, read the material at http://quotes.watchtower.ca, and ask questions here and of your study conductor.

  Take note that your study conductor will strenuously discourage you from reading Ray's book and talking with former JW's. Why? What's so scary about information? If it's the "Truth", it should easily be able to stand up to scrutiny and criticism.

  Good luck,

  Dave
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  Doubtfully Yours

  I refuse to ever believe in a burning hell.

  I still believe when I die that will be it. No other existence anywhere else.

  Of course, I still believe the root of many of our celebrations are non-Christian. Nevertheless, I celebrate in my heart because I love the spirit of joy, good food, good music, and gathering with friends and relatives.

  DY
• 

  garybuss

  
  
  For me the most dangerous beliefs were those superstitions and fears of my parents. There were more.
  
  I threw away everything I learned at home, at school, and at the Kingdom Hall and only kept the multiplication tables.
  
  I looked at everything. I threw away all religious superstitions and live my life as a pragmatist skeptical of all claims of a super human nature. I have put all mean controlling people and their relationships with me in quarantine. I am not available to anyone who has not been nice to me in the past.
  
  I try to do that which I enjoy more and I try to avoid doing that which I do not enjoy. Every decision must have at least three choices or it's not worth considering. My sons and my wife are my favorite people and my grandson is my favorite person on the whole planet.
  
  The Witnesses had nothing worth keeping for me. GaryB
  
  
  
  
  
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  AlanF

  I was taught that religion is a snare and a racket, and I still believe it.

  AlanF
• 

  ohmaryjane

  I guess I still feel creepy standing up at the national anthem. I still believe Jesus is the son of God. Not God himself. and you can pretty much have the rest.
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  Mulan

  I still believe Jesus is the son of God. Not God himself. and you can pretty much have the rest.

  I believe he was a great prophet, nothing more.